Previewing the AL Central
Here are the capsules for teams in the American League Central, listed in alphabetical order:
| Kansas City Royals | Minnesota Twins
Note: Projected lineups, pitching rotations and bullpens are mostly approximations based on the latest information. In most cases, they don't include starting players who will open the season on the disabled list. They reflect the most likely everyday lineup against a right-handed starter and are subject to change.
Chicago White Sox
Manager: Ozzie Guillen (8th season)Stadium: U.S. Cellular Field (2010 Park Factors)
2010 Record: 88-74 (2nd in AL Central)
Team Page » Roster » Schedule » Depth Chart » Injuries »
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After a step back in 2010 (.252 BA/.317 OBP/.378 SLG), the former prospect needs to recapture his stroke so someone is on base in front of Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko.
Since his "breakout" season of 2007, fantasy owners have been itching for Rios to take that next step forward …
Cleveland Indians
Manager: Manny Acta (2nd season)Stadium: Progressive Field (2010 Park Factors)
2010 Record: 69-93 (4th in AL Central)
Team Page » Roster » Schedule » Depth Chart » Injuries »
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It's a make-or-break year for LaPorta (.221 BA/.306 OBP/.362 SLG in 2010), who will have to prove he's not just another quadruple-A hitter to justify his place as the centerpiece of the CC Sabathia trade.
To most, there's an obvious answer, and it's the current Cleveland Indians pitcher with the most career wins (46), starts (118) and strikeouts (456): Fausto Carmona. …
Detroit Tigers
Manager: Jim Leyland (6th season)Stadium: Comerica Park (2010 Park Factors)
2010 Record: 81-81 (3rd in AL Central)
Team Page » Roster » Schedule » Depth Chart » Injuries »
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A sturdy and reliable reliever in 2010, Coke is now slotted third in the rotation behind Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. His transition to starter will be pivotal.
Yes, we need to remember that Jackson is only 24 years old and has only one season of big league at-bats under his belt …
Kansas City Royals
Manager: Ned Yost (2nd season)Stadium: Kaufman Stadium (2010 Park Factors)
2010 Record: 67-95 (5th in AL Central)
Team Page » Roster » Schedule » Depth Chart » Injuries »
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Can the prospects take another step forward and will they succeed when they begin their migration to the Royals in 2011?
But even if he's not destined for All-Star-dom, why can't Gordon bounce back with something like .280-average, 20-homer numbers, or, to be so bold, something like .295-25? …
Minnesota Twins
Manager: Ron Gardenhire (10th season)Stadium: Target Field (2010 Park Factors)
2010 Record: 94-68 (1st in AL Central)
Team Page » Roster » Schedule » Depth Chart » Injuries »
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The back end features Joe Nathan returning from Tommy John surgery, and Jesse Crain, Matt Guerrier, Jon Rauch and Brian Fuentes must be replaced in the middle innings.
So while it's asking an awful lot to expect an Ichiro-type debut from Nishioka, it's more than reasonable to put him in the same category as Rocco Baldelli or Denard Span when they came into the league.
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